Cycling scheme helps inactive and unemployed people

Cycling scheme helps inactive and unemployed people

Mar, 2 2021


We’ve all suffered a considerable amount of wear and tear throughout the last 12 months. As we’ve been unable to meet together in cafes, restaurants and pubs people are discovering new ways to interact such as through walking and cycling. 
 
Now a new initiative is introducing a scheme that will enable people to become highly skilled as cyclists.
 
Active Lancashire is working in partnership with Breaking Cycles CIC to develop National Standard Cycle Training which incorporates high quality online learning for residents of Lancashire. 
 
This has been devised through More Positive Together (MPT). A free service for individuals that are inactive or unemployed. It will provide access to virtual content whilst at home, as well as access to well being support groups. 
 
It will consist of 12 hours of online learning and will cover seven modules these include:- 
  • Preparing to ride
  • Roadside repairs
  • Home maintenance checks
  • Observation
  • Road Positioning 
  • Communication and Priority
 
The launch of the training supports Love to Ride’s ‘Ride it out’ month  began yesterday and runs for a period of four consecutive weeks. It will provide residents of Lancashire four themed weeks each with a different reason to ride. For more information on the campaign please visit:-https://www.lovetoride.net/uk
 
To prepare in advance for the course it’s important to know how the learners will benefit. The following five aspects will help interested ones understand what’s required of them:-
  • How to carry out safe pre-ride checks
  • How to fix puncture’s adjust break cables
  • How to clean a bike
  • Checking for wear on tyres
  • Brake pads and checks on the chain
As with walking, cycling has tremendous positive benefits on a person’s mental and physical health. Appreciating the great outdoors whilst taking in the sights and sounds around you can have a calming affect on the mind and soul. Those that attend these workshops have seen not just a totally transformed bike but a much more improved person inside and out. 
 
Active Lancashire’s Health and Wellbeing Officer, Calum Marsden, has these concluding words in response to the virtual training:-
 
“It’s brilliant that we can offer some training and support participants wellbeing whilst we are still in these difficult times. It is so important to connect and support each other and develop new and innovative ways to facilitate that. There has been a 300% increase of new cyclists according to cycling industry news, this is a fine example of how we can connect and share learning and support participants. I also like the fact that this online resource can continue to develop once we return back to normality”. 
 
For further information on the scheme please visit the following website:-https://www.activelancashire.org.uk/projects/cycle-recycle-scheme
 
^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger